Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni hits '7' in Dubai

Launches ‘7 by MS Dhoni’ perfumes in Dubai

One can hit a maximum of six runs on a ball in cricket. But it was “7 by MS Dhoni” – the Indian cricket captain in Dubai last week - off-the-field.

The Indian captain was in Dubai last week to launch a new fragrance for men. The fragrance has been named after his lucky jersey number “7".

Dhoni said: “Perfumes, much like cricket, are a product of passion.

"I have been passionate about perfumes and with the launch of‘’7 by MS Dhoni’ my focus has been to share my personal preferences when it comes to perfumes. The process of creating a brand is far more challenging than endorsing one. I put in tremendous time and effort for my inaugural line of perfumes.”

Fresh, long-lasting and with a global appeal, the new line has been created through careful research by renowned international perfumers. "Working closely with them was a true learning experience for me too and I look forward to creating innovative new lines under the ‘7 by MS Dhoni’ brand,” he said.

Dhoni is reportedly one of the richest players in India – endorsing a number of brands.

The Economic Times said in December that the Indian captain’s estimated annual earnings from endorsements were more than Rs70 crore (Rs700 million; Dh48.25 million). Dhoni charged Rs10 crore (Rs100 million) on average from annual endorsements per year.

But of late, his popularity has been on the wane, it said, adding that the captain lost five brand endorsements so only 22 advertisers used Dhoni in commercials during January-November 2012.

Dhoni’s new perfume range will be available in UAE, India and other parts of the world through a network of franchises soon.

For “7 by MS Dhoni”, the cricketer said he has been personally involved in the development of the fragrances, with several new lines to be rolled out in the coming months. The inaugural line of fragrances by “Captain Cool,” includes six body sprays for men, with several new products for men and women to be introduced shortly.